Sony confirms Amazing "Spider-Man 3 and 4"

The movie studio will produce a total of four movies in the superhero franchise starring Andrew Garfield after setting release dates for a third and fourth film in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

'The Amazing Spider-Man' - directed by Marc Webb - proved to be a box office success last year and the studio quickly put a sequel, which is currently being filmed in New York City, into motion for release next year.

A third film will be released on June 10, 2016, while the fourth chapter in the web-slinging series is due for release on May 4, 2018.

Sony's chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution Jeff Blake said: '''Spider-Man' is our most important, most successful and most beloved franchise. We're thrilled that we are in a position to lock in these prime release dates over the next five years.''

The first film - which also starred Emma Stone, Sally Field and Rhys Ifans - grossed more than $750 million around the world.

'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' will see Garfield and Stone reprise their roles as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and his first love interest Gwen Stacy, while Shailene Woodley is set to join the cast as the superhero's true love Mary-Jane Watson.

'Chronicle' actor Dane DeHaan will play Parker's friend Harry Osborn and Jamie Foxx has been cast as villain Electro.